Many electric vehicle buyers are still discovering the benefits of an all-electric vehicle.
EVs have outstanding performance and tested efficiency, are a cleaner option than traditional gasoline-powered cars, and help save money through the absence of fuel costs. Moreover, some states offer tax credits and rebates to lessen the purchase of electric vehicles.
However, some are still skeptical regarding EVs’ efficiency and performance in varying temperatures, particularly during cold weather.
How cold weather affects EV range?
Several questions have circled the battery, range, infrastructure, and costs. Another point of concern is how cold weather affects the driving experience.
According to FuelEconomy.gov, conventional gasoline vehicles got a 20% deduction in fuel economy at 20° F. Also, it is frequently more noticeable with an EV. It mainly concerns all-electric vehicle drivers who need to know they have enough range to reach their travel destination, as Drive Electric Vermont cites.
“Keeping the vehicle inside warm in winter is usually a huge drain on the EV range. When ambient temperatures plunge below 15° F. Lithium-ion batteries used in EVs, do not perform in cold temperatures, which can go further range reductions.”
Drive Electric Vermont
On the other hand, CAA Quebec wrote that if you generally drive 65 kilometers a day (which is valid for about two-thirds of Canadians, according to official figures), you’re good to go with 130 kilometers of total range.
Ev-a2z also noted, in cold weather, 25% of the range weakens when driving at 70 mph compared to the same conditions in mild weather, according to the test done by Consumer Reports.
Before going out in cold weather, preheat your car for 20 to 30 minutes before heading out.
“Like a conventional car fitted with an engine block heater, an electric car plugged in when it’s cold out (below -20°°C) will fare better in the morning.”
CAA Quebec
See Also:
- How to prepare EVs for the winter season
- Tesla Model S outperforms 28 Other EVs in Norway’s Winter Range Test
- How does cold weather affects electric car?
- What Effects Will the Future Climate Have on Nearly Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs)?
- How Temperature affects Electric Vehicle range
In maximizing your driving range in winter, it’s essential to drive smoothly, avoid rapid acceleration and heavy braking, and minimize using accessories such as heating and defrosting. You can also preheat the cabin and battery before you begin driving, using the vehicle’s remote start feature to minimize the energy required to heat the interior.
Apart from these, you can prepare your EV for winter by using preconditioning features and optimizing wearable parts.
